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Radiation Oncology

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Development of a standardized method for contouring the larynx and its substructures

Authors: Mehee Choi, Tamer Refaat, Malisa S Lester, Ian Bacchus, Alfred W Rademaker, Bharat B Mittal

Published in: Radiation Oncology | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Objectives

Limiting radiation dose to the larynx can diminish effects of laryngeal dysfunction. However, no clear guidelines exist for defining the larynx and its substructures consistently on cross-sectional imaging. This study presents computed tomography (CT)- and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based guidelines for contouring laryngeal organs-at-risk (OARs).

Materials and Methods

Standardized guidelines for delineating laryngeal OARs were devised and used to delineate on CT and MRI for head-and-neck cancer patients. Volumetric comparisons were performed to evaluate consistency and reproducibility of guideline-based contours.

Results

For the initial 5 patients the mean CT and MRI based larynx volume did not differ significantly between imaging modalities; 34.39 ± 9.85 vs. 35.01 ± 9.47 (p = .09). There was no statistical difference between the CT based mean laryngeal volume in the subsequent 44 patients compared to the initial 5 patients outlined on CT and the MRI scan (p = 0.53 and 0.62). The OAR volume for laryngeal substructures were not statistically different among patients or between imaging modalities. Once established, the guidelines were easy to follow.

Conclusion

The guidelines developed provide a precise method for delineating laryngeal OARs. These guidelines need to be validated and clinical significance of outlining laryngeal substructures and dose-volume constraints should be investigated before routine implementation in clinic practice.

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Title: Development of a standardized method for contouring the larynx and its substructures
Authors: Mehee Choi
Tamer Refaat
Malisa S Lester
Ian Bacchus
Alfred W Rademaker
Bharat B Mittal
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Radiation Oncology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1748-717X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-014-0285-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Development of a standardized method for contouring the larynx and its substructures

Abstract

Objectives

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

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